The Federal Government of Nigeria is pushing for a significant increase in youth representation within the nation’s governance structure, aiming for a 30 percent inclusion.
During the International Youth Day celebration in Abuja, Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio, revealed that ongoing efforts are underway to enact legislation that would guarantee this inclusion. The event, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, was themed “Forging the Future: Youth-Led MSMEs Innovating with Digital Solutions to Secure Sustainable Growth, Global Trade, and Resilient Food and Energy Systems.”
Dr. Bio highlighted that the Federal Executive Council has already approved the 30 percent youth inclusion policy, which the government now seeks to institutionalize through a law. This law, she said, would ensure that young people, particularly those under 40, hold significant positions in the next cabinet.
“We’re pushing for at least 15 young individuals under 40 to be included in a cabinet of 48 ministers,” Dr. Bio stated, emphasizing the importance of youth voices in addressing the challenges they face.
The Minister stressed that increased youth participation in governance would accelerate policy development and financial autonomy, contributing significantly to national growth.
In her address, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, praised Nigerian youth for their innovative spirit, noting that 73 percent of the entrepreneurs present were between 18 and 35 years old. Despite this, she acknowledged the challenges they face, with nearly half of these businesses earning less than one million Naira annually.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, called attention to the pressing issue of youth unemployment, citing statistics that highlight the urgency of implementing initiatives like the proposed 30 percent inclusion. She noted that youth-led Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are pivotal to achieving sustainable development goals, especially in the ICT sector, which contributes significantly to Nigeria’s GDP.
United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator to Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, also underscored the role of digital innovation in driving youth-led businesses and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He highlighted the critical need to address disparities in access to technology and digital literacy, particularly in rural areas, to fully leverage the potential of the digital economy.
This move by the Federal Government is seen as a vital step toward empowering the youth and ensuring their active participation in the nation’s future development.
